Amazing News.... The best Christmas Present ever.

I have been praying hard.  All I wanted was to get orders to Colorado... and sure enough Christmas came early.  We are moving to Colorado Springs when our Korean journey ends. 

We started looking for houses. It's so much fun! Can't wait to start our new journey there.

A new journey... My siblings.  I am originally from Colorado.  I moved away when I was nine... my mom got remarried.  Little did I know it would be the best decision she could have made.  I love my step dad... He has helped mold me into the person I am today.  He is amazing while grumpy and I wouldn't change him for the world.

Along with my mom... I left some special people behind. (Not by choice.) My siblings and my dad. Long story short... it's been almost 20 years since I've lived by my siblings. I'm excited to be in their everyday lives. I'm ready to hug them anytime I want. I'm ready for Logan to know his Aunts and Uncles.

23 things I WON'T miss about Korea.

1. The Food.

2. Having only one crappy car.

3. The smell.

4. Having to do ALL my shopping online.

5.  Living in an apartment.

6. Not being able to understand ANYTHING!

7. Not being able to drive more than 3 miles.

8. North Korea.

9. The mail system.

10. The drama that has to do with a tiny base.

11. Not having Central Air.

12.  Having to use a converter with everything!

13. The crazy drivers (Taxi Driver especially).

14. The 4-aisle commissary.

15. NOT having a 24 hr drug store.

16. Being told how to take care of your child (IN KOREAN).

17. Packed train rides in Seoul.  (Sardine Can)

18. They have no personal space rule.

19. The 14 hour time difference.

20.  Having to convert our money.

21.  Drunks.  (Soju is the devil)

22.  Monsoon season.

23. Not being close to family.  (At least $2,000 to fly home)

I love Korea... but I'm ready to get back in the states!

Amazing News.... The best Christmas Present ever.

I have been praying hard.  All I wanted was to get orders to Colorado... and sure enough Christmas came early.  We are moving to Colorado Springs when our Korean journey ends. 

We started looking for houses. It's so much fun! Can't wait to start our new journey there.

A new journey... My siblings.  I am originally from Colorado.  I moved away when I was nine... my mom got remarried.  Little did I know it would be the best decision she could have made.  I love my step dad... He has helped mold me into the person I am today.  He is amazing while grumpy and I wouldn't change him for the world.

Along with my mom... I left some special people behind. (Not by choice.) My siblings and my dad. Long story short... it's been almost 20 years since I've lived by my siblings. I'm excited to be in their everyday lives. I'm ready to hug them anytime I want. I'm ready for Logan to know his Aunts and Uncles.

23 things I WON'T miss about Korea.

1. The Food.

2. Having only one crappy car.

3. The smell.

4. Having to do ALL my shopping online.

5.  Living in an apartment.

6. Not being able to understand ANYTHING!

7. Not being able to drive more than 3 miles.

8. North Korea.

9. The mail system.

10. The drama that has to do with a tiny base.

11. Not having Central Air.

12.  Having to use a converter with everything!

13. The crazy drivers (Taxi Driver especially).

14. The 4-aisle commissary.

15. NOT having a 24 hr drug store.

16. Being told how to take care of your child (IN KOREAN).

17. Packed train rides in Seoul.  (Sardine Can)

18. They have no personal space rule.

19. The 14 hour time difference.

20.  Having to convert our money.

21.  Drunks.  (Soju is the devil)

22.  Monsoon season.

23. Not being close to family.  (At least $2,000 to fly home)

I love Korea... but I'm ready to get back in the states!

A Public Struggle

What you eat in private is seen in public. 

Why does weight have to be a constant battle for me?  I love food. Not going to lie. I'm not an emotional eater... I'm just an eater.

Why do I do amazing and then I quickly let it all go? It's that cheat meal I waited so long to have.  Then it turns into a cheat week... a cheat month. Instead of forgiving myself, I just considered it a failure.

How can I get back on track and make it last this time?  I need to change my outlook.  This is my life, and thankfully the only thing that's holding me back is ME!

This is a journey... not a quick fix.  I first need to change my outlook before I change anything else.  I am ready to do this once and for all. 

Weight... will NO longer stop me from anything.

I'm starting this journey today.  I'm not looking back.  This won't turn into a weight-loss blog, but I will be tracking my goals and thoughts on here. 

Where will you be a year from now?

My goals:  To lose 40lbs in 23 weeks. 

To fit into my skinny jeans.

To go shopping for a whole new style.

To cook a healthy meal every night for my family.

To workout 6 times a week.

1/8/3

A Public Struggle

What you eat in private is seen in public. 

Why does weight have to be a constant battle for me?  I love food. Not going to lie. I'm not an emotional eater... I'm just an eater.

Why do I do amazing and then I quickly let it all go? It's that cheat meal I waited so long to have.  Then it turns into a cheat week... a cheat month. Instead of forgiving myself, I just considered it a failure.

How can I get back on track and make it last this time?  I need to change my outlook.  This is my life, and thankfully the only thing that's holding me back is ME!

This is a journey... not a quick fix.  I first need to change my outlook before I change anything else.  I am ready to do this once and for all. 

Weight... will NO longer stop me from anything.

I'm starting this journey today.  I'm not looking back.  This won't turn into a weight-loss blog, but I will be tracking my goals and thoughts on here. 

Where will you be a year from now?

My goals:  To lose 40lbs in 23 weeks. 

To fit into my skinny jeans.

To go shopping for a whole new style.

To cook a healthy meal every night for my family.

To workout 6 times a week.

1/8/3

24 things I'll miss.... with only 24 weeks left.

I'm still counting down....  It makes things easier for me.  I'm antsy.  Very antsy. There are so many mixed emotions I'm starting to have.  I'm overwhelmed at times.  I miss my family so much, but at the same time this was an experience of a lifetime! It was hard... scary... fun... exciting.  I felt like I have been on vacation for 2 years.  There was no pressure.  No one relied on us for anything because they couldn't.  We didn't have to argue over which family we were spending the holidays with.  We never ran into the problem of spending too much at Wal-mart. 

Although I am extremely happy to get back in the states, I'm starting to get nervous.  This has been my home for the past 2 years.  I enjoy not having ANY clue what people are saying when we go out in crowds.  I enjoy NOT knowing how to drive around town.  I like how far a simple smile goes with your neighbors.  Plus I feel comforted with all my friends here who are in the same position I'm in.  We lean on each other during rough times.  No matter what time it is there's someone here for everyone.  I am getting VERY sad at the thought of never seeing any of these ladies again.  My heartbreaks in a way it never has before. These people here are my friends.... my family.

They have watched Logan grow. They have shared the holidays with us... our birthdays... Our tears... Our success.  My surgery....   My life transformed while living here in Korea and everyone who witnessed it was a stranger.  I love them.

Here's my list: (not in a particular order)

1.  James getting us Korean ice cream cones from the little store in our apt complex.
2.  Taking Logan to Little Prince/Jump Jump.  (Korean ChuckECheese)
3.  Eating dinner at the Gateway Club.  (The only American restaurant on post)
4.  Hiking up Mt. Soyosan and telling James I think I'm going to die.... but still making it to the top.
5.  Walking the track at the park with my few friends and their kiddos.
6.  Taking walks around the apt with James, Logan, Zara and I.
7. My cell phone going days without ringing.
8.  Getting a discount because I'm a foreigner.
9. Shopping at Dongdaemun.
10. All the craft classes and Stampin Up parties.
11. Being able to say "I live in Korea."
12. All my friends here.  (That's a given though)
13. Being out in public and NO ONE can ease drop on your conversation... and vise-versa.
14. Everything is so CHEAP here!
15. Nothing goes by your credit score! :)
16. All the sites and attractions no one from back home has ever been too.
17. The Dragon Hill Lodge.
18. Being together as a family.  No deployments.
19. Appreciating more things since being on this side of the world.  Not taking anything for granted.
20. Our Apartment... and community.
21. Using Google maps and going on an adventure with my little family.
22. Spending the holidays with our friends.
23.  All my kiddos that come to the play dates at my house.  And their mommas!
24. Korea.  I'm going to miss living here.

24 things I'll miss.... with only 24 weeks left.

I'm still counting down....  It makes things easier for me.  I'm antsy.  Very antsy. There are so many mixed emotions I'm starting to have.  I'm overwhelmed at times.  I miss my family so much, but at the same time this was an experience of a lifetime! It was hard... scary... fun... exciting.  I felt like I have been on vacation for 2 years.  There was no pressure.  No one relied on us for anything because they couldn't.  We didn't have to argue over which family we were spending the holidays with.  We never ran into the problem of spending too much at Wal-mart. 

Although I am extremely happy to get back in the states, I'm starting to get nervous.  This has been my home for the past 2 years.  I enjoy not having ANY clue what people are saying when we go out in crowds.  I enjoy NOT knowing how to drive around town.  I like how far a simple smile goes with your neighbors.  Plus I feel comforted with all my friends here who are in the same position I'm in.  We lean on each other during rough times.  No matter what time it is there's someone here for everyone.  I am getting VERY sad at the thought of never seeing any of these ladies again.  My heartbreaks in a way it never has before. These people here are my friends.... my family.

They have watched Logan grow. They have shared the holidays with us... our birthdays... Our tears... Our success.  My surgery....   My life transformed while living here in Korea and everyone who witnessed it was a stranger.  I love them.

Here's my list: (not in a particular order)

1.  James getting us Korean ice cream cones from the little store in our apt complex.
2.  Taking Logan to Little Prince/Jump Jump.  (Korean ChuckECheese)
3.  Eating dinner at the Gateway Club.  (The only American restaurant on post)
4.  Hiking up Mt. Soyosan and telling James I think I'm going to die.... but still making it to the top.
5.  Walking the track at the park with my few friends and their kiddos.
6.  Taking walks around the apt with James, Logan, Zara and I.
7. My cell phone going days without ringing.
8.  Getting a discount because I'm a foreigner.
9. Shopping at Dongdaemun.
10. All the craft classes and Stampin Up parties.
11. Being able to say "I live in Korea."
12. All my friends here.  (That's a given though)
13. Being out in public and NO ONE can ease drop on your conversation... and vise-versa.
14. Everything is so CHEAP here!
15. Nothing goes by your credit score! :)
16. All the sites and attractions no one from back home has ever been too.
17. The Dragon Hill Lodge.
18. Being together as a family.  No deployments.
19. Appreciating more things since being on this side of the world.  Not taking anything for granted.
20. Our Apartment... and community.
21. Using Google maps and going on an adventure with my little family.
22. Spending the holidays with our friends.
23.  All my kiddos that come to the play dates at my house.  And their mommas!
24. Korea.  I'm going to miss living here.

Movie Monday... but on Wednesday.

I always watch movies when James is away.  They have DVD shops here in Korea that you can buy any movie or TV series for cheap.  (Cheap= 5 DVDs for 10,000 WON...about $9.)   Can't beat that.  I decided to to go buy a few since I'm doing a Christmas movie advent calendar for Logan and James.  Each day they each get to unwrap a movie.  I had to buy a few considering I needed 48 movies total.... that ALL were about Christmas!  Just for the curious minds.... there are WAY more than 48 movies out there!  If you're interested in the list just comment on here and I'll post all the movies I got. James has some catching up to do!  So do I considering I have to wait on him!

Back to my point...  I bought several movies for me.  Some that I loved so much I wanted to share.

One Day -  Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess

WOW!!!  I loved this movie! It was so romantic and kept me interested.  It's about a friendship that turns out to have been the perfect love the whole time. Although I am not picky when it comes to love stories.... I still loved the storyline.  I will watch it again and again.  The ending I would have NEVER predicted. I cried... not going to lie.  I can't wait to watch it again with the hubby! 

A little bit of Heaven - Kate Hudson and Gael Garcia Bernal

When I started to watch this movie my first thoughts were "It's tacky."  A friend of mine suggested kleenex while watching it and I just couldn't see why.  I later found out why.  It was a great movie.  Made me realize that I am so blessed and that no matter what.... I will always hold on to love.  I will watch this one over again.  This movie was more predictable. I still enjoyed it though!

One movie fact about me is I HATE knowing what a movie is about!  I never read reviews or the backs of the cases.  I never read anything about it until I see it first.  Both of these movies I went in blind so I think I gave them a fair chance.  You should too!!

I know this was certainly off the usual boring topics I write about.  Movies have been keeping me company these past few days.  I don't know what I would do without them.....  Maybe cleaning! 

Love to all!  Only 19 days left until Christmas!!

Movie Monday... but on Wednesday.

I always watch movies when James is away.  They have DVD shops here in Korea that you can buy any movie or TV series for cheap.  (Cheap= 5 DVDs for 10,000 WON...about $9.)   Can't beat that.  I decided to to go buy a few since I'm doing a Christmas movie advent calendar for Logan and James.  Each day they each get to unwrap a movie.  I had to buy a few considering I needed 48 movies total.... that ALL were about Christmas!  Just for the curious minds.... there are WAY more than 48 movies out there!  If you're interested in the list just comment on here and I'll post all the movies I got. James has some catching up to do!  So do I considering I have to wait on him!

Back to my point...  I bought several movies for me.  Some that I loved so much I wanted to share.

One Day -  Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess

WOW!!!  I loved this movie! It was so romantic and kept me interested.  It's about a friendship that turns out to have been the perfect love the whole time. Although I am not picky when it comes to love stories.... I still loved the storyline.  I will watch it again and again.  The ending I would have NEVER predicted. I cried... not going to lie.  I can't wait to watch it again with the hubby! 

A little bit of Heaven - Kate Hudson and Gael Garcia Bernal

When I started to watch this movie my first thoughts were "It's tacky."  A friend of mine suggested kleenex while watching it and I just couldn't see why.  I later found out why.  It was a great movie.  Made me realize that I am so blessed and that no matter what.... I will always hold on to love.  I will watch this one over again.  This movie was more predictable. I still enjoyed it though!

One movie fact about me is I HATE knowing what a movie is about!  I never read reviews or the backs of the cases.  I never read anything about it until I see it first.  Both of these movies I went in blind so I think I gave them a fair chance.  You should too!!

I know this was certainly off the usual boring topics I write about.  Movies have been keeping me company these past few days.  I don't know what I would do without them.....  Maybe cleaning! 

Love to all!  Only 19 days left until Christmas!!

He is my Happiness.

Sometimes you get that feeling.... that feeling that you have it all figured out. 

I was sitting here watching my usual "chick flick" since James is gone for a few weeks.  As I watched this movie I started to smile out of nowhere.  I looked around and for once in my life... It was exactly what I prayed for all those years. I was happy.  I wanted to love with my whole heart and I wanted to be loved in return. I have this and SO much more. I am grateful. I will not take this for granted.  

Everyday I wake up and I'm quickly reminded that I have a blessed life.

My Husband completes my life.

• He is there for me.
• He listens.
• He is caring.
• He is romantic.
• He cooks.
• He cleans.
• He is extremely handsome.
• He always smells good.
• His clothes always match.
• He never makes me drive anywhere.
• He puts a wonderful roof over our head.
• We never go hungry.
• All our needs and wants are fulfilled.
• He let me keep Zara.
• He is smart.
• He is an amazing dad.
• He makes me laugh.
• He is my best friend.
• He makes me a better person.
• His shoes.... I love his taste in shoes.  (Anyone who knows me... understands this.)
• He is a Hero.
• He is driven.
• He loves me... the good, bad, ugly, sick, poor, healthy.... moody...

People tend to talk about the things they want or don't have but I can honestly say I have everything I could ever dream of in a man.

How did I get so lucky?

I stand up for what I believe in ... and I.... believe in him.




I'm missing him tonight. I just want to wrap my arms around his neck and smell his smell.

Thank you James for saving my life.  Thank you for believing in "us" and putting up with me and my wonderful personality traits.

I will love you... always.

I hope this didn't make anyone gag.  I just feel like he doesn't get enough credit.

He is my Happiness.

Sometimes you get that feeling.... that feeling that you have it all figured out. 

I was sitting here watching my usual "chick flick" since James is gone for a few weeks.  As I watched this movie I started to smile out of nowhere.  I looked around and for once in my life... It was exactly what I prayed for all those years. I was happy.  I wanted to love with my whole heart and I wanted to be loved in return. I have this and SO much more. I am grateful. I will not take this for granted.  

Everyday I wake up and I'm quickly reminded that I have a blessed life.

My Husband completes my life.

• He is there for me.
• He listens.
• He is caring.
• He is romantic.
• He cooks.
• He cleans.
• He is extremely handsome.
• He always smells good.
• His clothes always match.
• He never makes me drive anywhere.
• He puts a wonderful roof over our head.
• We never go hungry.
• All our needs and wants are fulfilled.
• He let me keep Zara.
• He is smart.
• He is an amazing dad.
• He makes me laugh.
• He is my best friend.
• He makes me a better person.
• His shoes.... I love his taste in shoes.  (Anyone who knows me... understands this.)
• He is a Hero.
• He is driven.
• He loves me... the good, bad, ugly, sick, poor, healthy.... moody...

People tend to talk about the things they want or don't have but I can honestly say I have everything I could ever dream of in a man.

How did I get so lucky?

I stand up for what I believe in ... and I.... believe in him.




I'm missing him tonight. I just want to wrap my arms around his neck and smell his smell.

Thank you James for saving my life.  Thank you for believing in "us" and putting up with me and my wonderful personality traits.

I will love you... always.

I hope this didn't make anyone gag.  I just feel like he doesn't get enough credit.